Medications and Supplements

Got Calcium? (FN587) This publication highlights the importance of calcium in your diet. It includes daily calcium recommendations, the amount of calcium in common foods, and suggestions for increasing calcium in your diet.

Folic Acid: A Vitamin Important at Any Age (FN680) The body uses folic acid to produce cells, including red blood cells, so it is important for men and women at all ages. Folic acid has been shown to help prevent up to 70 percent of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, also known as neural tube defects. All women of childbearing age need folic acid before and during pregnancy. Adequate folic acid during pregnancy also may help prevent cleft lip/palate and other birth defects.

Can We Talk? .....About Folic Acid (FN704) What is It? OK, so you’ll think about taking folic acid, but what is it exactly? Folic acid is a human-made form of the B vitamin folate, and is necessary for making new, healthy cells in the body. Everyone Needs It Recent studies have shown that folic acid may reduce the risk of cardiac disease and certain types of cancers. Some studies suggest it also might help lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Sports Supplements: Play the Game Right (FN1399) An athlete usually needs to increase his/her energy intake compared with the energy used. Athletes also require more water, protein, vitamins and minerals (especially iron and calcium). Before you stock up on these expensive helpers, remember that just eating more nutritious food usually is cheaper and easier.

Size Up the Supplement (FN1491) Supplements have different serving sizes and intake recommendations. To determine how many milligrams (mg) of a nutrient are in each capsule, divide the milligrams of that nutrient by the number of capsules in each serving size. Remember, you probably are getting some vitamins and minerals from your diet. Be sure to include both supplements and dietary intake when considering if you are getting the right amount of a nutrient.

Know Your Prescription and Nonprescription Medications (FN1720) Many people take prescription or nonprescription medications on a regular basis. Do you know how to properly store and dispose of medications? Do our medications interact with any foods? Know the questions to discuss with hour healthcare provider.